This Week at SMS – October 14

Hello SMS Families! Last week, we had our first week of NDI at the elementary school, PSAT/NMSQT administration for juniors, a great turn out at the PTA meeting, a moving Cover Me (Aretha Franklin) competition at the high school, and an exciting new format for our high school open houses. Thank you to all the faculty, parents, and students that volunteered their time to make these successful events.

FROM THE PTA:

We are looking for a parent volunteer to oversee the planning and execution of the Haunted House for the Halloween party on Saturday, October 27. If you are not already familiar with this event, a group of high school students create and man a “haunted house” in a side room off the cafeteria for the Elementary/MS students. If you are available for this position, please email Lisa Stump: lisa@specialmusicschool.org

Please send your PTA Annual Contributions by 10/31.

High School: Any Advisory to reach 100% receive Out Lunch Pass!

Middle School: First Advisory to reach 100% gets their choice: elevator privileges OR Cupcake Party OR Pizza Party

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS: Super Steward Intro Workshop- Central ParkThursday, October 25, 6:00pm-8:00pm, Central Park, Manhattan: This indoor presentation is step two in becoming a certified Super Steward. Volunteers will learn about the different site types available to them (forests, street trees, wetlands) and what Super Stewards’ roles are within Parks’ broader conservation efforts in these areas. At the end of the workshop, volunteers will be able to sign up for Advanced Training (step 3) for their specific site type.

Street Tree Care- Lower East SideThursday, October 25, 6:00pm-8:00pm, Central Park, Manhattan Come work with NYC Parks Stewardship and Goods Mart to care for local street trees! Volunteers will learn how to aerate, cultivate, mulch, and identify street trees. They will also learn about the important roles street trees play in New York City.

Tree Planting- Great Kills ParkSaturday, October 27, 9:00am-1:00pm, Great Kills Park: Volunteer with the Stewardship Team to plant trees in the Crooke’s Point area of Great Kills Park! Trees provide so many benefits to New Yorkers such as improved air and water quality, reduced pollution, and lower energy costs. Volunteers will be trained in proper planting techniques.

We’d like all New York City public high school students to take this survey, which will help us better understand student needs so we can serve them more effectively. The survey is optional and anonymous.Take the survey now(Open external link)

D3 Family Fun Night: Friday, October 26 5-8pm: 370 W 120th Street: The first 15 families from each school that registers and attends will receive a District 3 Book bag. RSVP: tinyurl.com/d3familyfunDinner will be served promptly at 5:00P. Then attendees will be able to participate in family activities involving: Science; STEM; Board Games – including Chess; Family Fitness; New York History; Visual Arts.